Citizens Budget Commission (CBC) President Andrew S. Rein released this statement on behalf of the CBC:

"It is extremely disappointing that the State's leaders have not yet come to agreement on the fiscal year 2023 State budget. While many important issues are being addressed, delays and lack of time for public and legislative review diminish public accountability and New Yorkers’ confidence that their government can fulfill its obligations well.  

Much of the continuing negotiations center on how much more to spend on an array of recurring and one-time programs. Plain and simple, this is risky business. The State’s leaders should focus on allocating the likely more than $6 billion in flexible funding the State has for the new year—comprised of the Executive Budget’s proposed property tax credit and COVID relief funds plus additional tax receipts—more than enough to meet priorities. That is $6 billion in addition to many specific programs proposed by the Governor and the planned school aid increases, which together will drive the highest rate of spending growth in recent State history.  

Any additional recurring spending should be offset by savings elsewhere and not by reducing the amount the Executive Budget smartly allocated to reserves or by opening budget gaps that will require future service cuts or economically damaging tax increases. Maintaining reserve deposits proposed by the Governor will help protect future New Yorkers from the next recession or emergency. 

To fulfill New York State’s leaders’ commitment to transparency, accountability, and improving the lives of New Yorkers, final negotiations should include provisions to manage State programs actively to deliver results and to report publicly metrics of State performance. This should cover all aspects of State government, including economic development programs that historically have failed to deliver value and the massive federal and State funding increase for education. A performance management system will improve services today, help lawmakers make fiscal and programmatic decisions in future budgets, and help show New Yorkers what they are getting for what promises to be another record-breaking spending plan.

We urge the State's leaders to enact a budget soon and ensure that it addresses the priorities of New Yorkers both now and in the future."